Basics: Fraud Prevention

EPage services may be used by users from many backgrounds, and this
offers a global marketplace for consumers and businesses. But crooks
also recognize the potentials of cyberspace. The same scams that have
been conducted by mail and phone can now be found on the World Wide
Web and in email, and new cyberscams are emerging. It's sometimes hard
to tell the difference between reputable online sellers and criminals
who use the Internet to rob people. You can protect yourself by learning
how to recognize the danger signs of fraud.

Be especially cautious when dealing with sellers in other countries.
If you have a problem, the physical distance, difference in legal systems,
and other factors could make resolving it very difficult.

Pay by credit card. Under federal law, you can dispute the charges
if you paid the seller with a credit card and the goods were never delivered
or if they were misrepresented. If you are paying through an intermediary
service, ask what happens in the case of disputes.

Consider using an escrow service. For a small fee, an escrow service
holds the buyers payment and forwards it to the seller upon the
buyers receipt and approval of the item within an agreed upon
inspection period. If there is a dispute about the item, the escrow
service may act as a referee. Ask if the service is licensed and bonded,
and how you can confirm that with the appropriate agency.

Common Fraud Techniques:

A seller has a laptop (or other expensive goods) for an amazingly cheap
price. They take your money and run, leaving you nothing but a lighter
wallet for your troubles. Solution: Escrow

A distant buyer offers a high-value cashier's check
in exchange for your item, as a deposit for an apartment, or just about
anything else. The value of cashier's check often far exceeds your
item - buyer asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service
(usually Western Union). Banks will often cash these fake checks AND
THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR! This scam
often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing
buyer money, etc) More...

A buyer wants to back out of the deal after sending a check/money order/Western
Union and asks you to send them a personal check refund. Similar to
this is a buyer from Africa or some other far away place will overpay
you. When you notify them, they will ask you to send them the overage
by wire transfer or Western Union. Usually the check they sent you was
forged or otherwise bogus. More...

An African (usually Nigerian) national has millions of dollars (from
their dead father/husband/brother who was a king/patriot/leader, or
skimmed from some account) and wants you to help them get the money
out of the country. They promise to pay you a share for your troubles.
More...